I recently found out that my house doesn't have a proper ground wire. The TV in my room briefly turns off and my PS5 headset disconnects whenever someone turns on the stove, so I'm worried about the electrical system and about protecting a new computer that cost me several months of income. Would a UPS, surge protector, or another device help keep the computer safe, or does the wiring need to be fixed first?
2 Answers
A UPS can keep the computer running during a brief outage and may help with small voltage fluctuations, but it cannot repair unsafe wiring or create a proper protective ground. Some surge protectors and UPS units also work poorly or show a fault when the outlet is ungrounded. Have the outlet and circuit checked first, and avoid using the computer on that circuit until you know there are no loose, overloaded, or damaged connections.
You should have the electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician. A device shutting off when the stove is switched on could be caused by voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, loose connections, or another wiring problem. Lack of grounding is also a safety issue, and the fact that the house is made of brick or concrete doesn’t eliminate the risk of overheating or fire inside the wiring.
I understand. My father installed most of the wiring himself when money was tight, so he may take it personally if I suggest calling an electrician. He is a car electrician, but I know that household wiring is different. I was hoping there might be a way to protect my computer without changing the whole system.